Estate Planning for Hale County, Texas Property Owners
For most Hale County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a Hale County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the County Court. The two tools that keep a Hale County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Clerk, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Hale County
A transfer on death deed lets an owner name a beneficiary who receives Hale County property automatically at death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Clerkduring the owner’s lifetime and can be revoked any time.
Where to Record Property Documents
Deeds and other real property documents for Hale County are recorded with the County Clerk at Plainview, TX 79072.
Recording costs $22 base recording fee; $4 per additional page; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt. Page count, cover sheets, and any local transfer-tax add-ons under Texas law can change the final amount, so confirm the total with the County Clerk before submitting.
Hale County doesn't offer e-recording. Plan to record by mail or in person.
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Hale County
E-recording
Not available
Recording fees
| Base recording fee | $22 |
| Per additional page | $4 |
Base recording fee of $22.00 includes first page ($5.00) plus mandatory per-instrument add-on fees: $10.00 records management and preservation (§ 118.0115), $5.00 courthouse security fund (§ 118.0216), and $2.00 county records archive fee (§ 118.011(b)(2)). Each additional page beyond the first is $4.00. Some counties may assess additional local fees.
Tex. Local Gov't Code § 118.011, § 118.0115, § 118.0216, § 118.011(b)(2)
Transfer tax
None — Texas does not impose a real estate transfer tax. Transfer-on-death deeds are generally exempt (Texas has no transfer tax. No exemption needed.). Texas is one of a minority of states with no documentary stamp, deed, or transfer tax on real property conveyances.
Verified March 16, 2026 · Source
A Living Trust Covers More Than One Deed
A transfer-on-death deed moves a single property. A revocable living trust holds the home, bank and investment accounts, and other assets together, so the whole estate skips the County Court — not just the house. For a Hale County family with more than one major asset, the trust is usually the cleaner plan.
Create a Revocable Trust in 15 minutes
Legal Sources
- Tex. Local Gov't Code § 118.011, § 118.0115, § 118.0216, § 118.011(b)(2)
Data sourced from Texas statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deeds and other real property documents for Hale County are recorded with the County Clerk at Plainview, TX 79072.
Recording a deed in Hale County costs $22 base recording fee; $4 per additional page; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt. Page count, required cover sheets, and any local transfer tax can change the final total.
Hale County does not offer e-recording. Plan to record by mail or in person at the County Clerk.
Contact the County Clerk for current recording hours. Confirm whether walk-in or mail-in recording is preferred before you go.
Yes. Deeds recorded in Texas must be signed in front of a notary before the County Clerk will accept them. A transfer-on-death deed follows the same execution rules — see the Hale County signing requirements.
A transfer-on-death (TOD) deed names a beneficiary who receives the property automatically when the owner dies, without probate. The deed is recorded with the County Clerkduring the owner’s lifetime. Start one with the Texas TOD deed form.
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